Tag: travel

Shore Drive Condo (Marlin Bay) Project

Update: Proposed Condominium Project on Shore Drive

Statement from the Ocean Park Civic League
As the proposed 52-unit McLeskey condominium project on Shore Drive moves through the City of Virginia Beach’s approval process, including Planning Department review, Planning Commission consideration, and a final City Council vote, the Ocean Park Civic League has not reached a clear consensus. Resident sentiment is considerably mixed, and we respect the sincerity in each position.


The project — which also includes a small commercial component and requires a rezoning that would increase allowable density from 4.25 to nearly 24 units per acre — raises several concerns we believe warrant close attention. We also recognize that some residents see potential value in new housing inventory and added investment along the corridor, and we take that perspective seriously as well.

  • Scale, Density, and Height: We’re closely watching how a nearly 62-foot building fits along this section of Shore Drive- Ocean Park. The developers have taken community input into consideration as this plan for the building is stepped down to 34 ft (three stories) adjacent to the townhouses behind it. Beyond those neighbors, we’re also considering how this structure changes the view and feel of Shore Drive and the adjacent Pleasure House Point Natural Area — affecting everyone who lives, walks, or drives through this stretch of the corridor.
  • Neighborhood Character and Alignment: Does this project reflect who Ocean Park is — a historic coastal community with a distinct identity — and does it align with Virginia Beach’s own long-term vision for the Shore Drive Corridor? We think that’s a fair and necessary question.
  • Traffic and Parking: Getting in and out of this site safely on Shore Drive is one concern. We are equally focused on what happens to on-street parking along Marlin Bay Drive. There is a real trade-off: limiting building height can reduce space for ground-level parking beneath the structure, pushing resident and guest vehicles onto already tight neighborhood streets. We want a design that solves the parking problem without worsening the height issue.
  • Stormwater Management: Every new Bayfront development must demonstrate it will not worsen flooding, runoff, or drainage for surrounding properties. This corridor is already vulnerable, and that must be part of the conversation.
  • Protection of Pleasurehouse Point Natural Area: Adding 52 residential units next to this natural preserve will bring more people and pets. Off-leash dogs and inadequate waste disposal already pressure the area’s wildlife habitat, nesting grounds, and trails. Many new residents living steps away could accelerate damage to a resource the whole community treasures.

We encourage all residents — whether supportive or skeptical — to stay engaged and make their voice heard.
The project is expected to come before the Virginia Beach Planning Commission on June 10, where it will receive a formal recommendation before advancing to City Council for the final decision, likely later this summer. There are two straightforward ways to make your voice heard now:

Everyone who would like to express concerns or support of the project is encouraged to write a letter to the Planning Commission (PlanningCommissioners@vbgov.com) and/ or speak at the June 10  meeting (details below). Another opportunity will come when the project is considered by the City Council. Your input is welcome and important.

Your input matters at this stage. The OPCL will continue to share updates as the process moves forward.

Shore Drive Condo Project ( Marlin Bay)

Shore Dr Condos – Bayfront Advisory Commission – 2026-02-19Download
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Shore Drive Condo (Marlin Bay) Project

Update: Proposed Condominium Project on Shore Drive

Statement from the Ocean Park Civic League
As the proposed 52-unit McLeskey condominium project on Shore Drive moves through the City of Virginia Beach’s approval process, including Planning Department review, Planning Commission consideration, and a final City Council vote, the Ocean Park Civic League has not reached a clear consensus. Resident sentiment is considerably mixed, and we respect the sincerity in each position.


The project — which also includes a small commercial component and requires a rezoning that would increase allowable density from 4.25 to nearly 24 units per acre — raises several concerns we believe warrant close attention. We also recognize that some residents see potential value in new housing inventory and added investment along the corridor, and we take that perspective seriously as well.

  • Scale, Density, and Height: We’re closely watching how a nearly 62-foot building fits along this section of Shore Drive- Ocean Park. The developers have taken community input into consideration as this plan for the building is stepped down to 34 ft (three stories) adjacent to the townhouses behind it. Beyond those neighbors, we’re also considering how this structure changes the view and feel of Shore Drive and the adjacent Pleasure House Point Natural Area — affecting everyone who lives, walks, or drives through this stretch of the corridor.
  • Neighborhood Character and Alignment: Does this project reflect who Ocean Park is — a historic coastal community with a distinct identity — and does it align with Virginia Beach’s own long-term vision for the Shore Drive Corridor? We think that’s a fair and necessary question.
  • Traffic and Parking: Getting in and out of this site safely on Shore Drive is one concern. We are equally focused on what happens to on-street parking along Marlin Bay Drive. There is a real trade-off: limiting building height can reduce space for ground-level parking beneath the structure, pushing resident and guest vehicles onto already tight neighborhood streets. We want a design that solves the parking problem without worsening the height issue.
  • Stormwater Management: Every new Bayfront development must demonstrate it will not worsen flooding, runoff, or drainage for surrounding properties. This corridor is already vulnerable, and that must be part of the conversation.
  • Protection of Pleasurehouse Point Natural Area: Adding 52 residential units next to this natural preserve will bring more people and pets. Off-leash dogs and inadequate waste disposal already pressure the area’s wildlife habitat, nesting grounds, and trails. Many new residents living steps away could accelerate damage to a resource the whole community treasures.

We encourage all residents — whether supportive or skeptical — to stay engaged and make their voice heard.
The project is expected to come before the Virginia Beach Planning Commission on June 10, where it will receive a formal recommendation before advancing to City Council for the final decision, likely later this summer. There are two straightforward ways to make your voice heard now:

Everyone who would like to express concerns or support of the project is encouraged to write a letter to the Planning Commission (PlanningCommissioners@vbgov.com) and/ or speak at the June 10  meeting (details below). Another opportunity will come when the project is considered by the City Council. Your input is welcome and important.

Your input matters at this stage. The OPCL will continue to share updates as the process moves forward.

Shore Drive Condo Project ( Marlin Bay)

Shore Dr Condos – Bayfront Advisory Commission – 2026-02-19Download
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⚓️ Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Report: April 24-26

Small craft advisory and colder temperatures appeared to be a deterrent. Total of 200 launches over the weekend.

Friday, April 24 –        84 total launches, car parking did not fill up there was available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Saturday, April 25 –    112 total launches, car parking did fill by 11:30am.  Barricade operations were not implemented. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Sunday, April 26 –       4 total launches, car parking was not full. The overflow was not used. Barricade operations were not needed. Small craft advisory, temperatures, and wind created a poor day for the beach and boating.

Incidents to report:

Sunday April 26 – Around 7pm, there was around 25-35 people on the beach playing music that was audible from the office. Due to a light rain, they were all directly under the bridge. Staff approached two people in the group that had parked in the trailer lot around 7:40pm and asked them to park in the car lot and staff described the two people as respectful and polite. They weren’t causing any issues for staff or patrons and were receptive to staff telling them to stay out of the trailer lot and to let their buddies know. Staff saw the group under the bridge and said they didn’t see anything that required any notification to Supervisor or police.  A citizen that was walking her dog approached staff and inquired about the gathering shortly after but wasn’t complaining, seemed more intrigued than anything. Staff had zero problems from the group and communicated with security guard when the shift change occurred. No reports from the security guard that any issues arose that evening. After reviewing the camera footage on Monday morning, it appeared the crowd may have grown to about 35-40 and there were some speakers visible in the footage. The beach was clear by about 830pm.

New staff hours beginning this weekend for the remainder of summer:

May 2 – May 22                      5:30am – 8:30pm

May 23 – Sept 4                      5:30am –9:00pm

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⚓️ Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Report April 24-26

Overview: During the high season in Virginia Beach, Parks and Recreation staff share weekly updates regarding weekend activity at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR). Reports from the Department of Parks and Recreation about the activity levels and events at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp are provided so that the community is aware of the numbers and what the Parks and Rec employees are seeing.

This is the weekly report for the weekend of April 24-26, 2026. Small craft advisory and colder temperatures appeared to be a deterrent. Total of 200 launches over the weekend.

Friday, April 24 –        84 total launches, car parking did not fill up there was available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Saturday, April 25 –    112 total launches, car parking did fill by 11:30am.  Barricade operations were not implemented. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Sunday, April 26 –       4 total launches, car parking was not full. The overflow was not used. Barricade operations were not needed. Small craft advisory, temperatures, and wind created a poor day for the beach and boating.

Incidents to report:

Sunday April 26 – Around 7pm, there was around 25-35 people on the beach playing music that was audible from the office. Due to a light rain, they were all directly under the bridge. Staff approached two people in the group that had parked in the trailer lot around 7:40pm and asked them to park in the car lot and staff described the two people as respectful and polite. They weren’t causing any issues for staff or patrons and were receptive to staff telling them to stay out of the trailer lot and to let their buddies know. Staff saw the group under the bridge and said they didn’t see anything that required any notification to Supervisor or police.  A citizen that was walking her dog approached staff and inquired about the gathering shortly after but wasn’t complaining, seemed more intrigued than anything. Staff had zero problems from the group and communicated with security guard when the shift change occurred. No reports from the security guard that any issues arose that evening. After reviewing the camera footage on Monday morning, it appeared the crowd may have grown to about 35-40 and there were some speakers visible in the footage. The beach was clear by about 830pm. 

New staff hours beginning this weekend for the remainder of summer:

May 2 – May 22       5:30am – 8:30pm

May 23 – Sept 4       5:30am –9:00pm

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⚓️ Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Report April 17-20

Overview: During the high season in Virginia Beach, Parks and Recreation staff share weekly updates regarding weekend activity at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR). Reports from the Department of Parks and Recreation about the activity levels and events at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp are provided so that the community is aware of the numbers and what the Parks and Rec employees are seeing.

This is the first weekly report for the 2026 season from Mike Parkman, Parks and Recreation Supervisor

Friday, April 17 –        92 total launches, car parking did not fill up there was available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Saturday, April 18 –    151 total launches, car parking did fill.  Barricade operations were implemented beginning at 11:05 am and ended around 1:20pm. The existing 4 boat ramp full signs were changed to full; we put the 6 additional neighborhood signs out. The overflow lot was not used due to the sand haul operations making the site unusable for parking. We anticipate this being an issue on future weekends as well.

Sunday, April 20 –       3 total launches, car parking was not full. The overflow was not used. Barricade operations were not needed. Small craft advisory, temperatures, and wind created a poor day for the beach and boating.

Parking – Meters went active April 1.

Incidents to report:

  • On the evening of Friday, April 17th, 2026, a significant number of individuals, primarily college and high school-aged, began showing up at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp. Security was on post, regular vehicle parking areas were near full capacity, and the boat and trailer parking section was more than half occupied with trailers. Security was dealing with the parking demand that was quickly exceeding capacity, resulting in increased attempts by standard vehicles to utilize the restricted boat and trailer parking area. Elevated vehicle and foot traffic was observed in the adjacent beach area throughout the evening. At approximately 8:30 PM, I, Mike Parkman, stopped by the boat ramp just to check on things since I was in the area. I spoke to security and decision was made to contact Virginia Beach non-emergency dispatch and the Real Time Crime Center to advise them of the developing conditions. I also spoke directly to Lt. Kosmas from the 3rd precinct. At approximately 9:00 PM, multiple Virginia Beach Police Department units arrived on scene and established a visible presence in the area. Additional units arrived shortly thereafter, increasing law enforcement visibility and resulted in the gradual dispersal of the crowd by approximately 10:00 PM. No incidents of note were reported, and conditions returned to normal operations for the remainder of the night.
  • No additional issues on Saturday or Sunday evenings.
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🌿Thanks to all who helped at the Pleasure House 🌅 Point 🚯Clean Up from 9-12 on March 14! See you April 18th!

Any time you can give between 9 am and 12 pm to walk the trails and pick up trash is greatly appreciated!

The Ocean Park Civic League has been the sponsor for the Adopt-A-Spot(Park) program for Pleasure House Point since the city opened it as a park.  Suzi Walton, the civic league president at the time, saw to it that, as the community was so instrumental in the process of discouraging the development of the natural area and fighting for its survival, that we (the Ocean Park community) should be the designated sponsor.  And as she was formerly an administrator in the city’s Parks and Rec Department, she was able to claim it for us.  She conducted the first cleanups and had enormous support from the board, many of whom showed up to participate in the removal of an enormous amount of refuse.  

Mary Faust has organized the cleanups of PHP for many years. She reminds us that the city does not undertake any cleanup responsibilities for PHP since it is a ‘preserve’. The work that the community does to clean up trash and litter at Pleasure House Point is enormously important so that it will be a beautiful natural place for all to enjoy. Mary is ready with bags, gloves and grabbers! (not to mention the delicious treats!). Thank you, Mary!

  • Saturday, March 14 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, April 18 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, May 23 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, June 20 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
    • Summer Break too hot!
  • Saturday, September 12 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, October 17 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
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🌿Come Help This Saturday, March 14th! Pleasure House 🌅 Point 🚯Clean Up from 9-12!

Any time you can give between 9 am and 12 pm to walk the trails and pick up trash is greatly appreciated!

  • Saturday, March 14 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, April 18 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, May 23 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, June 20 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
    • Summer Break too hot!
  • Saturday, September 12 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, October 17 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive

The Ocean Park Civic League has been the sponsor for the Adopt-A-Spot(Park) program for Pleasure House Point since the city opened it as a park.  Suzi Walton, the civic league president at the time, saw to it that, as the community was so instrumental in the process of discouraging the development of the natural area and fighting for its survival, that we (the Ocean Park community) should be the designated sponsor.  And as she was formerly an administrator in the city’s Parks and Rec Department, she was able to claim it for us.  She conducted the first cleanups and had enormous support from the board, many of whom showed up to participate in the removal of an enormous amount of refuse.  

Mary Faust has organized the cleanups of PHP for many years. She reminds us that the city does not undertake any cleanup responsibilities for PHP since it is a ‘preserve’. The work that the community does to clean up trash and litter at Pleasure House Point is enormously important so that it will be a beautiful natural place for all to enjoy. Mary is ready with bags, gloves and grabbers! (not to mention the delicious treats!). Thank you, Mary!

 Come help on the Saturday clean ups!

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Fireworks Questions (and answers!)

A few questions have come up in the comments on the fireworks survey. Perhaps others would also be interested in the information. Our Fireworks Chair Jill Doczi, who has been doing this since 2011, responds:

(Additional information on the fireworks: how it got started, dates in the past etc are on the OPCL/Fireworks page on the website)

Why can’t the fireworks show be on July 3, 4 or 5?
We have been informed by the Fire Marshal that we would not receive a permit for July 3 or 4 due to staffing constraints. A fire marshal must be on site for the duration of loading, set up and the show. To have it on July 5, our show would have to begin loading  early on July 4 posing the same city staffing issue.

Why don’t we have people stationed at the beach accesses to collect money from those who attend but don’t live in the neighborhood or from neighbors who forgot but may donate on the spot? We place donation signs at each beach access with a QR code for this purpose. Having people collecting cash would not only be unsafe for the volunteers, would also be impossible to track, and sadly could open us up to theft. We discourage cash donations in general so we can provide accountability. 

Why don’t we collect donations from the high rises and Westminster Canterbury? We already do. The organizing communities for the show are Baylake Pines and Ocean Park. We collect from every household in Ocean Park including Pelican Dunes, Chesapeake House, Bay Vista, 3556 on the Bay, Aeries on the Bay, Water Oaks and Three Ships Landing. Additional communities like Chesapeake Beach and Westminster help through donations and we thank them for their support.

Why can’t we collect earlier? Great idea! We can start promoting earlier through all our communication channels. Donations are welcomed at any time through the fireworks page on our website. We don’t distribute envelopes earlier because regardless of when we put them on mailboxes, most donations start coming in June. If we distribute too early, the envelopes get set aside and forgotten or lost. 

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LBR Report August 8-10

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp
Channel from Lynnhaven Boat Ramp to Lynnhaven Inlet

During the high season in Virginia Beach, Parks and Recreation staff share weekly updates regarding weekend activity at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR):

“This past weekend August 8-10 was comparatively slower overall to our higher attended weekends this summer. Again, there were small craft advisories for most of the weekend and it very windy each of the days. We had a total of 320 launches over the 3 days:

Friday, August 8 –       34 total launches, car parking did not fill up there was available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Saturday, August 9 –  137 total launches, car parking filled around 10:55am and was busy the remainder of the day.  The overflow was not used.  Barricade operations were not needed.

Sunday, August 10 –   149 total launches, car parking was full from 10:30am-6:30pm. The overflow was used for 15 vehicles. Barricade operations were not needed.

Incidents to report:

  • Captain Gordon reported that on Thursday, August 7 the midnight shift officers held their muster meeting at the boat ramp.
  • Staff reported that they spoke to several of the party barge captains to explain and reinforce getting their passengers loaded and unloaded quicker and not to tie up the docks while waiting. All were compliant. 
  • On Sunday afternoon we had a boat breakdown on Ramp #4 which slowed launching and recovery operations down for a short period.
  • Review of video data from Friday until Monday morning showed limited car traffic after hours. Police Real Time Crime Center was seen monitoring the cameras during the overnight. Security is doing a great job of keeping cars out of the trailer lot and checking the front lots as requested.
  • Staff have reported one of the Dominion Power lights in the parking lot is out. We have submitted a work order to have it looked at.

Additional information:

  • The purchase orders for digital real-time Full/Open signs for the boat ramp have been received and the signs are on order. Delivery and install TBA.
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LBR Report: July 25-27

During the high season in Virginia Beach, Parks and Recreation staff share weekly updates regarding weekend activity at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR):


Friday, July 25 –        113 total launches, car parking did fill up around 3:15pmand was steady most of the day. The overflow lot was used for 6 trailers. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Saturday, July 26 –    247 total launches, car parking was full from 9:15 am until after 9pm (see below for large gathering and influx of cars). The overflow was used for 59 vehicles with trailers.  Barricade operations were not needed.

Sunday, July 27 –       169 total launches, car parking was full from 10:10am – 4:30pm. The overflow was used for 30 vehicles. Barricade operations were not needed.

Incidents to report:

  • Approximately, 5pm on Saturday, police were onsite and wrote two parking tickets for people illegally parked in the parking lot turnaround area. A third vehicle was ticketed for parking on/blocking the sidewalk.
  • On Saturday evening, at approximately 9:30 PM, a large number of individuals began to park at the Lynnhaven boat ramp and gather on the beach. Security and Police personnel were onsite at that time.  Per security and police, the students were largely engaged in socializing and enjoying the beach environment. The officers communicated to the attendees that it was approaching curfew and advised them to disperse by 11:00 PM. By approximately 10:30 to 10:45 PM, the crowd amicably dispersed without any incidents or legal violations noted.
  • Later that evening, at 11:40 PM, the Garda World security person reported a dispute involving a father and daughter, which prompted officers to respond to address a potential domestic situation at that location.
  • On Sunday, the VBPD Marine patrol unit towed in a derelict boat and placed it on the spoil site for removal later by Public Works.
  • Review of video data from Friday until Monday morning showed heavy car traffic after hours until after midnight Friday and Saturday night but no visible loitering in the parking lots.  Police were onsite Saturday night/ Sunday morning for periods of time between midnight and 4am.
  • Garda Security personnel continue to be a real asset to our operation. They have been very engaging with users and have done a tremendous job keeping cars out of the trailer lot after hours, which in turn has seen the elimination of cars doing donuts, etc. in those lots over the last few weeks.   
  • Parking Enforcement –I will send these numbers as soon as possible.

During my weekly debrief with Emergency Management and Garda World I found out that the city also has a roaming Garda World security person that works overnight. It was decided that that roving person would also begin visiting the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp during his rounds between the hours of 2am and 7am. They will also act as a second guard on Friday and Saturday nights for short shifts between 11-1 to assist with current security personnel onsite.

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